Annecy to Bilbao: Where to stop on the way?

I've got two weeks to make it from Annecy to Bilbao in Northern Spain. I was thinking of stopping by places like Bordeaux, Carcassone, even Toulouse. I'm going by public transport, and hope to explore not only the towns/cities I visit, but any surrounding outdoor sights/activities.

Any small towns, or big cities, I should visit along the way?

4 Answers

Depending on your route, I really liked Lyon, Avignon, and Montpellier. I visited Bordeaux and Carcassonne and especially liked Carcassonne. Guess it all depends on your route. Just south of Bordeaux is Biarritz. I stayed there for almost a week and did day excursions. Check out my blog at : www.francetraveltips.com for any other ideas.

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James

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JamesThanks for the answer Janice! My route is entirely flexible, and they all sound good. But if you had to pick 2-3 to visit, which and why?

JaniceHi James: Lyon is like Paris but many feel it is overlooked. There's a section where it is the old town and it is definitely known as a foodie capital. Easy to walk around and it's a major hub for visiting other places. The other place would be Montpellier. A smaller town and you can jump on the train and travel for 20 minutes to the Mediterranean (Sete). Without a car you wouldn't be able to take advantage of the hilltop towns in Provence near Avignon. Avignon is great and has the Palais des Papes but it would be a shame to miss all the towns nearby (and I have heard it is difficult seeing them without a car). So basically, after Annecy, go to Lyon and then south to Montpellier. Then make your way west, perhaps through Carcassonne (great walled in town) and Toulouse toward Bilbao. This would be my route if I took the trip. Hope that helps. · (1 like)

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Annecy is a beautiful place and worth a couple of hours or more. I didn't care too much for Carcassonne because there is so much beauty in France that spending time here is redundant... better off in Nernier or Yvoire... or perhaps south. I don't know Toulouse so can't guide you there.